Yesterday Mr. Heckman asked if it was possible to electrify an Aeolian
Model W Orchestrelle.  The answer is "yes"; this is a pressure model
so requiring a blower.

But this is a step that must be thoughtfully considered, and done with
care if attempted.  From the size of the feeders, they use about three
times the volume of air flow compared to an ordinary player piano, but
they play at only 1-3/4" W.C. pressure, so the work of pumping them
should be the same.

First of all, the blower must be carefully selected, and fitted with
a good pressure regulator, to maintain the correct wind.  Last year
Bob Loesch had a "W" that was fitted with a blower, which he wanted
to re-equip with the original pedal pumping system (MMD 99.04.08).
But he found that whoever had installed the blower had cranked it up
to 4" W.C.  This made the organ sound harsh, rather than rich and
sweet, as an Aeolian should.

One is tempted to put blowers or suction units into instruments because
they have become hard to pump.  The extra pressure or volume from such
sources just makes up for leaks, and enables the instrument to work
again for a while.  A blower set to the correct pressure probably will
not enable a leaky organ to play very well anyway, and using a higher
pressure makes for bad sound.  The proper fix is a good, hot-glue
rebuild, with all the avoidable air leaks eliminated with new cloth,
pouches, valves and gaskets wherever needed.

Last month, Kevin McElhone, the world's most knowledgeable Orchestrelle
guy, personally demonstrated to me that a properly maintained "W" pumps
easily at the design pressure, with all the volume one needs for forte
passages.  And what a sweet sound -- it made any other reed organ I ever
heard sound pretty sick by comparison.

Richard Vance